Defending screens

In previous posts, the defending of ballscreens has been covered. This post covers defending screens away from the ball, specifically a down screen and a baseline screen. Points to consider:

• with either a down screen or baseline screen, especially if the screen is set by a big, the defense must avoid separation from the screener
• screeners will look to a seal and post up defenders as soon as they have space to do so (can establish and win a foot fight on or near the lane)
• therefore, screen defenders should hold close to the screen and defenders of cutters should chase on down screens or baseline screens
  
• chasing off a down screen is more aggressive, avoids defenders getting jammed in the lane, and does not allow a reception and step back shot by cutter
• chasing a baseline screen is again more aggressive and avoids a middle jam of a defender going over the top, plus does not allow the cutter to fade off the screen to an uncontested shot (along the baseline)
  
• chasing cutters means that the screen and cutter defenders stay with their respective responsibilities (defensively much more aggressive)
  
• to further improve the action, the three defenders not involved in the screen need to help it in every way possible (jam cutter, bluff coverage, see it, talk, etc.)
  

Bob Knight - switch screens

In the brief clip below, legendary coach Bob Knight, reviews the defensive reads when switching a downscreen. Watch carefully as he patiently goes through the scenarios of the cutter accepting or rejecting the downscreen. Coach also gives some teaching points for if the cutter accepts then pops back from the screen (as if about to catch a pass and shoot behind that screen). Thanks to the YouTube channel of Championship Productions for the clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPd1zS-umwY&feature=channel

Reading Screens

When reading screens, look at the defender, not the ball - you know where the ball is already. Watch CSK execute a simple single-single baseline screen play. The defender goes over top and the cutter makes the correct read and success follows - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tl6pn86kJE

Horns into Crossscreen Set

Below is an offensive set run by Barcelona at the 2010 Euroleague Basketball Championships. This set shows how you can combine offensive sequences to create a set. Barcelona runs a ballscreen horns action (which isn't as effective as it could be because the ballhandler does not get to the shoulder of the screen) into a basic crossscreen downscreen sequence. In this case Barcelona forces the switch on the crossscreen so now a guard is covering a post at the rim.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e04m38_JBXE

Clinic notes - Renato Pasquali part 4

Another entry in the continuing series of notes from a recent clinic featuring Renato Pasquali, hosted by Ontario Basketball, facilitated by Mike MacKay of Canada Basketball. More thoughts from Coach Pasquali:

• "tactical" coaches teach game to game, teach different matchups, apply teaching to a certain player in that game on that day
• "fundamental" coaches teach longterm, teach HOW to play, apply teaching to every situation in every game
• coaches need to ask themselves the question "What kind of coach am I?"
• if your team can effectively defend screen/roll action and defend post then 70% of defensive teaching is done
• in order to know effectiveness of screen/roll defense and defending of post entries, these actions and stats need to be charted (otherwise how do you know) - use your assistants!
• "Two Dribble Rule" - don't allow the ballhandler more than two dribbles, force a pickup with strong defense otherwise shot could open up or ball could drive to the rim
• overall defensive goal should be to have the offense play in areas of discomfort (if they like to enter with a wing pass then deny that wing and force a catch well beyond the 3 point line)
• make the offense work hard, no easy catches, they must have to move in order to catch
  

Offense - loop flare stagger

This movement begins with the first big coming back up to the ball side elbow, the trail post opposite the ball up top, and two wings near the free throw line extended. Coordinated action of the ball being pushed to the ballside wing, the ballside shooter clearing out (by looping the closest big and flaring the trail post screen), and the weakside shooter sprinting to the ballside corner. After cuts and screens, 2 now has room to work on the weakside (can curl the flare screen, from trail post 4, if chased).
On catch of the ball reversal to 2, the first big (5) dives to the new ballside. This must be a first quick look as 5 is looking to seal their matchup (with all other players outside). At same time, stagger screens are set by passer (1) and trail post (4) for the corner cutter (3) to catch and shoot at the three point arc. The two screeners must make contact on the chasing defender. Depending on personnel (and defensive reaction), there may be a look for a back door lob to 1 after they screen the corner.

Offense - sideline triangle play

The inbounder should be a good decision maker as well as a threat to shoot a 3 if they get the ball back from their inbounds pass. Set up is a triangle, with two ball-handlers at the base, a big at the top, plus a further big capping the triangle. The bigs are the original screeners, with 4 and 5 setting a double stagger for the weakside low player to sprint a cut and receive a pass at the 3 point arc. After screening, 5 cuts straight to the ball. Based on good timing, 1 sets a cross screen for 4 (to open them up coming to the ball above the low block on ballside). Options are shot by 2, a handoff back to 3, and dump downs to 4 or 1 (if they can seal defender). Work on timing, setting solid screens.

Offense - screener responsibilities

When screening on the ball, the screener has just as many responsibilities as the ball-handler that receives the screen. If the ball-handler needs to be patient (in the waiting and reading of the screen) then the screener needs to sprint to the screen in order to buy some time for that action to occur. As mentioned in a previous post, the screener must screen above the ball (further from the hoop) in order to cause enough of a defensive disruption. The screener must make contact with the defender and therefore needs to be low and wide enough (must take up space). A screener must have a strong basketball I.Q. - after all, they need to read both the defensive reaction as well as their ball-handler's decision. Screeners need to consider:

• opposition coaches will be instructing their defenders to NOT get hit by the screen so emphasis needs to be placed on making defender contact
• must pay attention as the action may require a re-screen (which will happen quickly) based on movement, don't assume job is done after the initial screen
• if ball-handler accepts the screen and drives defender into it, then screener will need to roll if screen defender hedges or flare away if screen defender zones off to the lane
• if ball-handler rejects the screen (because of defender leaving a drive line) then screener will need to space away opposite or step back (as a fill) into space away from defenders
• if ball-handler splits the screen and the hedging defender (because the ball defender chased behind and the hedge defender left a gap) then screener should look to flare away from the two defenders (to open space)
• if screen defender zones off the action to the lane, and ball defender goes under the screen, then the screener should read and stay as the wall for the ball-handler to shoot behind
• overall, the screen must be aggressive and the screener should be a threat and space to an area that is effective and does not draw defenders to the ball
• screeners must always be aware that teams may trap the ball-handler and therefore need to be visible to the ball on all movement out of a screen
• all of this, and much more, is covered in great detail every summer during the weeks of intense basketball instruction at COBA
  

Coaching Clinic - 2009 workout highlight

As mentioned in previous posts, the annual Can-Am On-Court Basketball Coaching Clinic is fast approaching (June 4th-5th) and will offer the attending coaches excellent value for time and dollars spent.

For a highlight from one of last year's intense sessions with Coach Larry Shyatt (Assistant Coach to Billy Donovan at University of Florida), please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3zMleGByPY or http://www.youtube.com/user/cobacamp and enjoy. You will be watching a Windsor Lancer forward working very hard to get in the target number of high quality reps of a sprint to ball screen, slip, shoot, and shoot of a second ball. Coach Shyatt was always clear in his instruction - in order for players to reach their next level, they need to put in the quality work in the gym (both in season and off season).

Watch for an announcement over the next few days. Coaches Don Casey and Dave Odom have confirmed for June 4th-5th, and the third coach is about to be announced. Again, for those coaches wishing to attend the clinic please simply go to the online form at cobacamp.com.

Offense - using ball screens

If players remember only one word when thinking about ball screens, it should be 'patience' (especially on the offensive side of the ball). Players need to remind themselves that they are not able to read and react with effective moves if they are hurrying and rushing the ball screen action. Yes, screeners do need to sprint screens, and ball handlers need to make a quick and decisive move (after their read) but overall the action needs to have patience as a guide. From an offensive standpoint, some ball screen scenarios follow:

• in every case, the screen needs to be above (further from the scoring hoop) the ball (conversely, the ball needs to begin below the screen)
• the player receiving the screen needs to be a good reader (of movement and defensive positioning)
  
• the ball handler needs to be patient and wait for the screen to be set (VERY important)
• the screener must get low and wide and take up plenty of space
• offensive players need to remember that hitting their OWN player is NOT a foul
  
• beyond making the correct read, the ball handler and screener must look to create space
• reject the screen - if the ball defender goes under the screen (with a plan to meet the ball on the screening side) and the screen defender hedges then both defenders should be far enough removed from the ball that the ball handler should look to attack the rim in a straight line (but may need to "sell" acceptance of the screen first)
• play behind the screen - if the ball defender goes under the screen (sold based on previous movement) and the screen defender zones off (drops to the lane) the screen then the ball handler will have the opportunity to use their screener as enough of a wall and then shoot behind that screen (a tough shot in basketball, needs to be practiced, very effective)
  
• accept the screen - if the ball defender chases over the screen then the ball handler will have the opportunity to attack their screener's outside shoulder and drive to the rim (not allowing space for the defender to get between the ball and the screen, thus keeping the defender behind the ball), the screen defender needs to then space to the right area away from the defense (either roll opposite or flare or pop back)
• split the screen - if the ball handler chases over top of the screener and the screen defender hedges but does not hang on to the screener then the ball handler will have an opportunity to split that gap between their screener and the screen defender (with the ball defender chasing behind them), again look to attack and the screener should space
  

Learn from games you watch

This time of the year offers plenty of basketball to be watched, whether on TV or in the gym. Beyond the enjoyment and scouting aspects, there is much personal learning that can take place. Based on what coaches see, they should take time to evaluate their own teams. Ask the simple question - "when I see movement such as those listed below, am I happy with how we run it or defend it?"

• side or wing ballscreen
• quick ball reversal to low post entry
• slip to the rim (out of ballscreen) by a big
• high ballscreen
• split (of ball and screen defender) by a ball-handler
• perimeter shot opened up by a back side screen after a skip pass to weakside
• dribble handoff at the wing
• lane penetration to a kick out pass
  

Offence - overload cross screen

The action commences out of a traditional 3-2 set with the ball high. The next movement is based on the post match-up that we want and where that match-up is located (5 or 4). 1 dribbles off the top at the wing that is opposite our desired post (in this example, we have 5). The push by 1 sets 2 and 3 in motion, with 2 using the screen set by 4 and then screening in to the lane for 5. The opposite wing, 3, does not space for 1 up top (that will be saved for 2) but sprints to the ballside corner (spaced for a kick out corner catch and shoot). After screening for 2, our 4 then sprints up the lane to reset a high screen for 2.

5 uses the screen set by 2 in the lane. 2 uses the second (now high) screen set by 4. The responsibility now falls to 1 to make the proper read of the defensive help and then make the right pass. Options are to 5 establishing inside, to 2 shooting behind the screen of 4, to 4 on a weakside roll/slip, and to 3 for an open shot. If 1 hits 5 inside then they need to remember to space for a kick out pass from the post.

Offence - loop flare screen plus movement

Here's a look that offers some simple yet effective movement off the top. Great for teams that understand and incorporate good spacing principles, as well as for teams that have an intelligent 2 that reads defenses well.

The action begins with four out and the post above the ballside block. 1 dribbles at 2 which causes 2 to move - in this case, a loop exchange with 1. Knowing that the action is coming their way, 3 clears to the opposite side of the floor and spaces to the corner. The movement of 3 means that 4 moves in space to a wing spot. While that is taking place, 5 has sprinted up and positioned for a location screen that enables 2 to use that screen (after looping). 2 must read the defense and, depending on how they are handled, either curl hard off the screen or flare. If you can't get the ball to 2 then look to enter to 5 who can then run a deep handoff exchange with 2 and look to play off that action. 5, depending on the defensive reaction up top, may have open shooters in 3 or especially 4 on the weakside, and may also have the look for 1 diving off the top.

Offence - high ball screen

For coaches that like to run a high ball screen action, this is a good set based on a five out formation. Instead of being at the rim, 5 is a trail post (like 4) at the wing. Perimeter players are spaced to the corners. 5 sets a high ballscreen for ballhandler 1 (another great opportunity to teach offensive and defensive reads based on ballscreen). 1 uses the ballscreen, reads appropriately, and attacks. 4 fills for 1, and for high low. 5 rolls in space to the rim (based on action of 1). If 4 does receive the ball up top, they can attack or run ballscreen/handoff with the corner 3 player at the wing. Keep it simple - teach good spacing, screens, and proper reads.

Defending ballscreens

Proper defending of ballscreen action is a vital component in the success of overall team defense. The screen defense calls and reads that are made are dependent upon the team's defensive system and priorities, the skills of the individual offensive players, the skill sets of your personnel, game variables (i.e. player fouls, team fouls, time and score), offensive sets of the opposition, etc. Regardless of the plans chosen, all members of the defense MUST communicate - especially the four that are away from the ball and can clearly see the screen action. Decisions, based on team philosophies, must be made - some screen defensive strategies are more aggressive than others. Some options for defending ballscreens are:

• trap on the ballhandler by both the ball defender and screen defender
• jam by both defenders - jam up into the ballhandler by the on-ball defender as well as a jam under the screener (to prevent a roll or movement) by the screener's defender
• hedge by the screen defender and then position under the screen action by the ball defender (must read, don't assume the ballhandler is using the screen to then go a certain direction)
• hedge by the screen defender and then movement over the screen action by the ball defender (either over the hedge or through a gap between the hedge and the screener that the screen defender would then have to close on recovery to the screener)
• zone off and back (i.e. to a defensive lane position) by the screen defender with an aggressive chase over the screen action by the ball defender (to disrupt the ball and force a hurried play)
  
• the hedge by the screener's defender can, depending on system and priorities, be a hard hedge to take the ball up and away from the rim and towards midcourt or a high hedge followed by a flat hedge (90 degree screen defender pivot) in order to prevent the ball from penetrating the lane (and further help the on-ball defender)
  

Offence - penetration and kick

On offense, there are several keys to an effective penetration and kick attack. Coaches should emphasize:

• sprint all cuts and fill positions with a purpose (nothing easy for the defense)
• bring speed to all screens
• make use of the six perimeter spots - two each of corners, 45 degree wings, and elbow extended
• on penetration, the four players without the ball must be moving (harder for defense to react and recover - beat them on recovery from help)
• post players need to move with their hands high - cut, react, and roll
• on the weakside of the floor, the ball must always be able to see you
• teams need to work on defensive balance and offensive rebounding from day one
• after the kick out pass, pause in the lane to read the next attack and maintain proper spacing
  

Offence - high handoff

This play sets up well to provide opportunities for a big that can attack the rim after a handoff and for a wing that can shoot well off a screen. Shooters (2 and 3) are spaced to corners, ball (1) is up top with both posts wide and out. Another option is to have the rim post start low and join the action up top with the trail post opposite. 1 penetrates and kicks to 5 and then sets a flex screen (away and low) for 2 to use cutting across the lane (looking to catch and play). If no low feed materializes then 2 continues to screen away for 3 while 4 replaces the vacancy of 1 at the top.

After flashing to the weakside elbow, 1 receives a pass back from 5. 4 looks for a handoff from 1 on 4's basket cut - 4 must read the defence and cut based on how they are being defended. 5 and 2 stagger screen to open 3 for a shot on the weakside. 3 has to read both screens and cut based on the defensive reaction. 3 could receive the pass from 1 (early or late) or 4 (as a kickout from a prevented drive) and needs to space to the smart spot of the court. If no pass received (hence not a shooter), 2 looks to roll from the weakside . 5 must be aware, plus shot and rebound ready. 1 stays top as a fill for the drive by 4 or as a step-back shooter from a kickout pass by 3.

Offence - screen of screener for high-low

This movement has plenty of options and gets every player involved. To begin, shooters (2 and 3) are spaced as corner threats, post (5) is ballside above the low block, trail big (4) is outside of three and opposite the ball (1). 4 sprints across and turns/hooks to set a ballscreen for 1 to use and read off the top. 5 clears the post to set a corner screen away for 2.

4 sets a second screen as the top of the stagger (with 5) to open up 2 sprinting from the corner. 1 finds 2 with a pass coming off of 4's stagger. 1 must be thinking a dive (give and go) off the top and is reading their defender (move with the pass?) as well as the play of 2. For 1, there is also the possibility of setting a ballscreen for 2. 3 is looking to space accordingly opposite and is 'shot ready' at all times.


4 continues and sets downscreen for 5, then rolls to pinch post or iso. 5 is reading the defence and uses the post screen with the intent to catch and play off the high-low pass from 2. In order to best take advantage of the defensive reaction and recovery, the timing of the pass from 1 to 2 and the second screen of 4 for 5 should be highlighted and emphasized. If 5 catches inside, but is not able to play, then 3 must be spaced and ready for the kick opposite for an open look.

Offence - Isolation for a 4

Do you have a 4 that can attack the basket or shoot it? This might work well for your team. Shooters (2 and 3) space to corners as threats and to spread the defence. Your 4 starts at the weakside low block or short corner. Trail big (5) is opposite the ball outside of three. 5 starts the action off the top by sprinting a weak to strong side lane cut to the ballside corner. The new position of 5 spaces 2 to be a wing threat. 4 times their flash cut up to the weakside elbow and looks to play (Princeton chin action) after receiving pass from 1. For 1, the first option is to sprint a brush cut under the ball to the strong side corner (which spaces 3 to a wing threat).



Second option for 1 is to set a little on big ballscreen for 4 to use and read up top. Regardless, 4 is looking to attack the rim, kick out to a shooter, or shoot. After screening, 1 reads the defence and spaces appropriately (flare, lane roll to rim, etc). As with any action off the top, timing and spacing are important.

Offence - Isolation play

Check back regularly for plays that will be posted. This one will be helpful if you are trying to isolate a player at the top of the key. 1 dribbles at 4 which pushes 4 to sprint the lane line then space to the ballside corner. 5 sets an angle screen for 3 to use coming off the wing. 3 makes an "Iverson" cut off the screen while receiving the pass from 1. Both 4 and 2 are available for kick passes and corner shots, while 5 spaces (flare, roll, etc) to be visible after setting the screen.